Best Computer Speaker Reviews 2019

Whether you’re a gamer, student, business executive, or all of the above, quality speakers will enhance the time you spend using a computer. Use this review to choose the best computer speaker brand for your lifestyle and machine. We have compiled a short list of five of the best computer speaker brands, with a variety of styles and price points.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Channels

Power

Sound

Input

Our Top Choice

Zenbre SoundBank Z3 Bluetooth Speaker

Zenbre is an American company specializing in smart outdoor equipment, kitchen gadgets and electronics, including the Zenbre SoundBank Z3 Bluetooth Speaker.

How Do I Choose the Best Computer Speaker?

If you love listening to music, watching movies, playing games, or using your computer for any other audio-related application, you’d be amazed how much a quality computer speaker system can enhance your experience. Sure, your computer comes with at least one built-in speaker, but it’s not enough to deliver powerful audio. The good news is, it’s easy and affordable to purchase an independent system and plug it into your machine’s audio-out jack. When shopping for computer speakers, the main things you should consider are what type of system you want, sound quality, whether it’s compatible with your computer and, of course, price.

There are several types of speakers to choose from. Most speakers are either 2.0 or 2.1 system, meaning they either have two channels and no subwoofer, or two channels and one subwoofer, respectively. A 2.0 system is usually smaller and delivers decent audio quality, but doesn’t have the bass performance of a 2.1 system. A 2.1 system, meanwhile, may have smaller “satellite” speakers, but the subwoofer part of the system is relatively larger – and offers more powerful bass. If space isn’t any issue and powerful bass extension is important to you, you should definitely purchase a 2.1 system.

The other two common types of speaker systems are 1.0 and 5.1, meaning they have a single unit with built-in speakers or a subwoofer with five satellite speakers. We included a couple of 1.0 computer speakers in our review because they’re affordable, easy to set up, and ideal for consumers that aren’t major sound buffs.

Sound quality is a very personal consideration. Some consumers just want to hear the news, watch video clips, or play background music using their PC. Others want a powerful system that can be heard far and wide without sacrificing quality. Unfortunately, sound quality can be difficult to measure because there is no standard testing mechanism for speakers. The best thing you can do is read reviews like ours and purchase from brands you know you can trust. Also, look for a system that has balanced treble, midrange, and bass frequencies because they’re more likely to deliver deep, resounding audio.

Other things to consider are how many inputs the computer speaker system has and what type (RCA, 3.5 mm, digital coaxial, etc.). It’s important to make sure the system in question is compatible with your computer, which could vary depending on whether you have a desktop computer, laptop, or notebook. Also, you should consider how easy it is to control (is a remote included? can you control it through your computer?), whether you like its design and style, and whether it has any other features, such as Bluetooth.

Now, let’s take a look at how much you should expect to pay for a quality system.

Price

The pricing of computer speakers varies dramatically depending on the consideration factors discussed above. The first and most influential factor is sound quality. Obviously, you can expect to pay more for a system as the quality of its audio output increases. To give you a wide range of options, we reviewed computer speakers ranging from about $26.99 to $149.99 (prices at the time we did our research).

You can purchase a cheap computer speaker that will probably last for a few years and deliver okay sound quality for under $30. However, if you’re looking for a system that you can really rock out to, you should plan on spending more. Computer speakers are one of those items where you get what you pay for. The more you spend, the more powerful of a system you can buy.

Features

Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, computer speakers can vary from inexpensive, basic devices with minimal features to high-end models with more bells and whistles than you can probably imagine. Due to technological advances, new and improved speakers are coming out all the time. There are, however, some key features you should look for in all computer speakers, regardless of their price.

Keep an eye out for these features when shopping for computer speakers:

Computer speakers come in an endless array of shapes and sizes. Let’s discuss which type is right for you.

Construction and Design

As we discussed above, the design of a computer speaker largely depends on how many channels/speakers it has. A 1.0 system is just a basic speaker with no separate subwoofer or speaker. A 2.0 system or 2.1 system, meanwhile, has two satellite speakers, the latter of which also has a separate subwoofer. You can even purchase 5.1 systems. If you’ve been following along, you should already know what that means. Yup, one subwoofer and five speakers. Talk about surround sound! If you want amazing sound quality (which you do if you enjoy music, movies or gaming, trust us!), then you need to get a system with a separate subwoofer. Just remember, systems with more channels require more space.

Now that you’ve decided what type of system you want, the next design aspect to consider is input. In other words, how will the speaker hook up with your Mac or PC? A lot of computer speakers only have one output, meaning that you can only have it hooked up to one device at a time. If you want to be able to seamlessly transition between your computer and phone, for example, you should look for a model that has more than one audio connection. There are different types of input jacks, but the most common are 3.5mm mini-jacks, RCA, and Bluetooth/wireless.

Performance and Ease of Use

When we talk about computer speaker performance, we’re talking about sound quality and power. That’s why you’re purchasing the speaker anyway, right? Unfortunately, as we already mentioned, sound quality can be difficult to measure because there isn’t any industry-wide standard for these measurements. Manufacturers have also been known to exaggerate specifications, only adding to the confusion.

The most important measurement to look for is probably wattage. How many watts of sound does the speaker produce? A 200-W speaker is going to be more powerful than a 5-W speaker, but it will also cost more. Also, manufacturers tend to rate each speaker’s wattage independently. This means that a 5.1 system could have five 5-watt speakers for a total capacity of 25W. You may see sound quality measured in decibels and Hertz. For Hz, look for a minimum of 22,050 Hz (or 22kHz) as this is the standard for radio quality and works well for music and voice. For dB, look for speakers under 85 dB as this is considered harmful to the human ear.

Finally, ease-of-use depends on the setup process and how you control the system. Most systems plug into your computer and the only thing you have to do is arrange the speakers to your liking and maybe install software. Bluetooth/wireless models are a bit more complicated to setup because you have to pair them with your device. Computer speakers that come with a remote control or can be controlled through your phone or computer are the easiest to use, but some units have to be controlled directly from the machine itself.

What is the Best Computer Speaker?

The type of speaker and its sound quality are the two most important factors for most people when purchasing computer speakers. There is no right answer when it comes to purchasing computer speakers. The best computer speakers will be the ones that you can afford, fit in your allotted space, and have enough power to meet your needs, which will vary depending on how you plan to use them. We picked a variety of computer speaker systems to help you find the perfect fit.

Zenbre Computer Speakers #703194454016

Features

Having built a reputation as a highly tech-oriented brand, Zenbre is known for its sprawling collection of innovative products for home and outdoor use, including the Zenbre SoundBank Z3 Bluetooth Speaker.

Easily landing in our Top Product category, the Zenbre SoundBank Z3 Bluetooth Speaker is a comprehensive system featuring 2 5W Bluetooth Speakers and a premium bass resonator for improved sound quality. For $26.99, you’ll receive the speaker, which comes with a 1800mAh rechargeable battery, and 3.5mm audio cable. The battery boasts 10 hours of playtime, making this the perfect speaker system for people that are always on the go or want to listen to quality music in every room of their home.

Logitech Z623 Speaker System is a powerful model ideal for gamers or video and music enthusiasts. If you want the quality Logitech is known for without the price tag, try the Logitech Z313 Speaker System.

Logitech Z623 200 Watt Home Speaker System, 2.1 Speaker

Logitech Home Speaker #980-000402

Features

Logitech is known worldwide for its superior PC and tablet equipment, which is part of the reason we chose the THX-certified, 2.1 Logitech Z623 Speaker System for our Best Value Product category. At $149.99, this unit is a little more expensive than some of its competitors, but you’ll be glad you invested in its design when you hear its rich, deep sound quality.

Harman Kardon Computer Speakers #SOUNDSTICKS3AM-A

Features

In business since 1954, Harman Kardon has built a reputation in the US and around the world for its outstanding home and auto audio products. They partnered with Apple in 2000 to design and manufacturer their SoundSticks speaker line. Since then, Harman Kardon has worked rigorously to improve and perfect the series, which brings us to the SoundSticks III model.

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks III is a stylish computer speaker system that is known for its impressive sound quality. For $149.95, you get one 20-watt, 6-inch subwoofer and two speakers - each with four 1-inch full-range transducers. Using a 3.5mm mini-jack, this 2.0 surround sound system can be hooked up to any device, iPods and CD players included.

The Bose Companion 2 Series III is a basic, yet reliable speaker system from a brand you know you can trust. If you can afford to spend a bit more, we recommend exploring the Bose Companion 20 Multimedia Speaker System.

Bose Companion 2 Series III Multimedia Speakers

Bose Computer Speakers #354495-1100

Features

Bose is a well-known American manufacturer of audio equipment that has been in service since 1964. Over the years, Bose has become known as a national leader in quality audio gear across a variety of applications, including home and auto.

The Bose Companion 2 Series III is a great entry-level speaker system. For $99.95, you get one powered speaker, one accessory speaker, an audio input cable, speaker cable, and AC power pack. Marketed as multimedia speakers, this set is ideal for people that want to watch movies, video clips and play games or music on their PC. Some people say that this set’s deep sound quality brings their multimedia to life - they can actually feel the vibrations!

The water-resistant Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle is perfect for people with busy lifestyles, especially those that enjoy spending time on the water. If you’re looking for a higher sound quality and can afford to invest more in a stereo, take a look at the Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3XL.

Cambridge SoundWorks Portable Bluetooth Speakers #B010OYASRG

Features

Founded in 1988, Cambridge SoundWorks has been designing and distributing high performance audio gear for almost 30 years. They specialize in home theater, home stereo, multimedia speakers, and other audio devices.

Retailing for about $27.99, the Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Angle 3 is a very cost-competitive Bluetooth speaker that has a lot of useful features. One of the best characteristics of this model, in our opinion, is that it is “water resistant IPX5”, meaning it can withstand rain, sand, dust, and being splashed. Weighing in at 10 ounces and measuring 5 inches in length, it is an incredibly portable speaker with decent sound quality.

Get the Best Computer Speaker of 2019!

Hopefully, this review has helped you discover the best computer speakers for your computer. Any of the five products featured above would be a valuable addition to your PC or Mac. And remember, if the product we chose to feature isn’t the right match for you, take a look at the other quality computer speakers that these reputable brands have to offer.

Our Top Choice

Zenbre SoundBank Z3 Bluetooth Speaker

Best Value

Logitech Z623 Speaker System

Harman Kardon SoundSticks III Speaker

Bose Companion 2 Series III Speaker

Cambridge SoundWorks OontZ Speaker

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